Powerful play will tackle sensitive issue of child sexual exploitation

A play aimed at parents and carers will help raise awareness of the sensitive issue of child sexual exploitation.

Chelsea's Choice will be hosted by Peterborough Safeguarding Children Board at the John Clare Theatre in Peterborough Central Library, Broadway, on Wednesday 14 September 2016.

The hard-hitting, 35 minute play performed by the AlterEgo Theatre Company will be followed by a 20 minute question and answer session which provides an opportunity to explore the issues raised in the safeguarding drama.

Peterborough City Council and its partners were praised in a report this year for its multi-agency approach to tackling the issue of child sexual exploitation within the city.

The report found that when concerns of child sexual exploitation have been identified, the response has been proactive, comprehensive and reflective.

Councillor Sam Smith, cabinet member for children's services, said: "We take the issue of child sexual exploitation extremely seriously and we know that raising awareness of the signs and symptoms is an important part of keeping our young people safe.

"Chelsea's Choice has been a great way to raise awareness across our secondary schools, with more than 3,000 young people watching the play. We now want to extend the offer to parents and carers so that they too can become more aware of the signs and know when they need to take action if they are concerned.

"The play is just one of the many ways we are working with the community, including schools, health care providers, taxi operators and hotel owners, to give them a better understanding of the devastating impact that sexual exploitation has on a young person's life."

The play will begin at 7pm with refreshments available from 6.30pm.

For more information or to book a place visit the Peterborough Safeguarding Children Board website.

Chelsea's Choice will also be shown in secondary schools once again from September.